About us
A trusted partnership, anchored in assurance
We are a Christian organization that assures the thriving of vulnerable children through local churches and ministries dedicated to the Godly work of transformation. Because of this we are rigorous in selecting where and how we serve, focusing on places where our programs and support have the greatest impact.
We focus on the holistic development of vulnerable children.
We support local churches to meet the felt needs within their community.
We serve relationally, grounded in local context and expertise.
Our story as Hope Story
Our story is one of real hope, rooted in relationships and grounded in God’s love for every child and community.
Our founding
A church community in Cambridge, ON sent Mike and Diane Fietje to Peru, where the vision first began. Operating out of Forward Church, the young organization carried the tagline of “Christian care for children at risk.”
Orphan care expansion
Shortly after, Scott Forbes, a missionary from the London community, joined the work, officially establishing it as Kids Alive Canada, in partnership with the Kids Alive USA network. The organization launched major orphanage expansion efforts, particularly in Zambia, laying the foundation for its growing international ministry.
Rapid Growth
Partnerships and the child sponsorship program grew substantially. Families became actively involved through short-term service teams, while missionaries were deployed across Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East.
Changes in organization
During this period, the organization experienced leadership transitions and mounting operational challenges. Differences between the Canadian office and Kids Alive USA highlighted the need for clearer structure and direction. The board met to pray and discern the future, ultimately choosing to persevere. In 2014, the board chair stepped into the Executive Director role as caretaker, guiding the organization through this pivotal season.
New Leadership
Our current Executive Director, Tim Brown, joined the team and articulated a fresh vision for the organization. We adopted a new mission and church-based partnership model and formed new relationships in Kenya and Tanzania. During this period, the Canadian office also began the process of separating from Kids Alive USA.
Rebranding and Expansion
We rebranded from Kids Alive Canada to Hope Story, marking a new chapter in our ministry. We established new partnerships in Colombia, Burkina Faso, Zambia, and Nepal. In 2018, the board met, leading to the decision to pursue First Nations partnerships. New software and processes helped us strengthen communications, project management, and donor care.
Resilience during Covid
We adapted to the challenges of the pandemic by shifting to remote work and hosting virtual galas and webinars with our partners. We also overhauled major electronic systems, formed a new partnership with True Vine Church in Lebanon (2021), and completed an office renovation, ensuring our ministry continued to grow despite the global challenges.
Maturity and Consolidation
We strengthened partnerships with in-country churches while formalizing policies and procedures at our headquarters. We streamlined operations, and we secured our first Canadian government grant—bringing assurance of lasting impact as we continue to bring hope to every child’s story.
Our core values
Christ-led
We follow Jesus Christ in what we do and how we do it. That includes loving and protecting children—caring for their physical and spiritual needs as He did when He walked the earth.
Empowerment
We believe that the best solutions come from those who are closest to the need. Our role is to empower those solutions to come forth.
Trustworthiness
Our partners and donors have entrusted us with access and funding, so we honour that trust with rigorous program monitoring and delivery.
Story-driven
We help children rewrite their life story and introduce children to the Ultimate Hope Story: Of Jesus offering us abundant life.
Hope-filled
We are hopeful about every child’s future. That hope is based on the assurance we have and envelops everything we say and do.
Hope story team
Tim Brown
Tim is committed to seeing lives transformed by the Good News of the Kingdom, with a heart for children, the poor, and the oppressed. His calling began during a six-week trip to Uganda’s Ssese Islands, where he met a young girl with a cleft palate. That night, her smile left a lasting impression, and he felt God calling him to serve the vulnerable. James 1:27 became foundational: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
Tim leads Hope Story with over a decade of nonprofit experience, overseeing governance, fundraising, and international programs. A passionate advocate for faith-driven solutions, he works closely with the Board and global partners to create sustainable, Christ-centered strategies that empower vulnerable communities. Tim holds a Master’s in Public and International Affairs and a Bachelor of Journalism. He is inspired by the unique potential and God-given gifts within every child’s story.
Karen Falle
A long-time supporter of Hope Story, Karen felt called to join the team to give even more of her time and talent to a mission she has long championed. In her role, she ensures donors feel valued, appreciated, and deeply connected to the difference their generosity makes. Karen brings exceptional relational and communication skills, coordinating engagement initiatives, nurturing donor partnerships, and keeping supporters informed and inspired. She counts it a privilege to serve vulnerable children alongside local churches worldwide, helping communities and families grow and thrive.
Guided by Psalm 91: “God alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armour and protection,” Karen finds joy and purpose in making a tangible difference. She holds a Bachelor of Music Therapy degree and balances her passion with her love for family, friends, nature, and travel.
Katherine Martin
Katie loves to say that events are her ‘jam’! With a background in teaching, she thrives on bringing together the elements of an event to create memorable, inspiring experiences for Hope Story supporters. Katie’s heart is for equipping vulnerable children with the tools they need to access their God-given potential. Her journey with Hope Story began when she helped fundraise for Gift, a young man in Zambia who grew up in poverty but was accepted to medical school; seeing him become a doctor and serve his community inspired Katie to join the team.
She is motivated by Hope Story’s commitment to partnering with local church leaders and empowering them to create programs that meet the real needs of children and families.
Guided by Philippians 4:6–7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God…”,
Katie is encouraged by the peace and assurance that God is always with us and in control.
April Maniacup
Originally from the Philippines, April brings a global perspective shaped by a deep desire to serve others. Her journey across Asia, Europe, and North America includes work with the Red Cross, the United Nations, the European Commission, and an anti-human-trafficking organization, building experience in communications, research, and advocacy for children and marginalized communities. After earning a Master’s in Public Policy and Good Governance in Germany and leading marketing for a global company, April felt called to return to her true purpose: serving vulnerable children through Hope Story. She is inspired by the organization’s Christ-centered, church-led, and child-focused approach, which empowers local communities for lasting impact. A passionate storyteller, April believes sharing stories fosters empathy, connection, and meaningful action.
Guided by Proverbs 3:5–6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight”, she seeks to faithfully follow God’s call in all aspects of her work and life.
Maggie Grift
Maggie brings a deep love for organization and technology to Hope Story, supporting the team behind the scenes so others can focus on serving vulnerable children. She was first introduced to the work of Creation of Hope through a friend and joined the Hope Story team in 2018, drawn to a role that aligned with both her skills and heart. As a mother of two, Maggie is inspired daily by the power of love, care, and community in helping children grow from simply surviving to truly thriving. She is especially drawn to Hope Story’s commitment to partnering with local communities, empowering local leaders, honouring local cultures, and modelling hope through real-life examples of change from within.
Guided by 1 John 3:18, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth”, Maggie believes in love lived out through service and faithfully uses her gifts to strengthen both the organization and the lives of the children it serves.
Michaëlle Mugisha
Michaëlle oversees the implementation and management of Hope Story’s partner programs, bringing together strong organizational skills, strategic insight, and a deep heart for service. With a background in computer applications and a Master’s in Business Administration, she is passionate about using her skills to uplift communities and support sustainable, locally led solutions. Michaëlle was drawn to Hope Story through prayer, seeking an organization committed to walking alongside local communities, listening, learning, and responding to real needs rather than imposing outside ideas. She is deeply inspired by Hope Story’s Christ-centered mission and its partnership with local churches to support vulnerable children through education, health, and community development. For Michaëlle, this work is both ministry and calling, an expression of faith lived out through compassion, justice, and service.
Guided by Proverbs 19:17, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done”, she serves with humility and purpose, trusting God to bring lasting impact through faithful, community-led work.
Opeyemi Adetunji
With a background in health and experience across the health and housing sectors in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, Opeyemi has supported teams and strengthened operational performance in diverse, low-resource settings. After completing a Master’s degree in Global Health Policy at the London School of Economics, Opeyemi moved to Canada, eager to continue serving communities with compassion and purpose. She was drawn to Hope Story’s holistic model, integrating education, health, and discipleship, having witnessed firsthand the difficult choices families face when access to schooling, food, or medical care is limited. Deeply rooted in her faith and love for God, Opeyemi is passionate about working alongside donors and partners to help ensure orphans and vulnerable children thrive in every aspect of their lives.
Guided by Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”, she serves with hope, conviction, and a vision for lasting change.
